Ryan Poles Reportedly Has An Early Crush For 2026 Draft

If there is one thing we’ve learned about Ryan Poles since he took over as GM of the Chicago Bears, it’s that he tends to fall in love with certain players every draft cycle. It was Velus Jones in 2022, Darnell Wright in 2023, and Rome Odunze in 2024. The thread connecting all of them is that Poles fixated on them pretty early in the draft process. Once that happens, it becomes difficult to change his mind. That is why it feels noteworthy when information surfaces about a new name he really likes.

Sources informed SM that the player to watch over the final months of the college season is Parker Brailsford. He is the center for Alabama and was a transfer from Washington. He is undersized at 6’2, 275, but has earned a reputation as an explosive athlete with excellent range, intelligence, technique, and toughness. He’s at his best as a run-blocker, getting to the second level frequently. While he struggles against power and size in pass protection, he is rarely caught off guard by anything.

Ryan Poles’ interest in Brailsford is not a surprise.

The Bears GM’s track record shows a preference for athletic offensive linemen, especially along the interior. Braxton Jones, Doug Kramer, Kiran Amegadjie, and Luke Newman all fit that profile. The same is true for Joe Thuney and Ryan Bates. Poles has often wanted to run an outside-zone type of offense, similar to those used in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Minnesota, and Green Bay. For that, you need blockers who can move. That is why the Bears invested a significant amount of money to sign Drew Dalman in free agency. Brailsford would be a perfect fit in that type of offense.

Current projections have him going somewhere on day two of the draft in the late 2nd or 3rd rounds. Interior offensive line probably won’t be their early focus. Still, if the board falls a certain way, don’t be surprised if Ryan Poles works to go get his guy.